By Doreen Crowther dcrowther@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk Last Night of

the Proms

Victoria Hall

Bolton WHAT a terrific finish to this year's Bolton Proms.

This sell-out concert by the Halle Orchestra, conducted in style by Paul Payton, was a huge success. Queues of people waited for last-minute tickets.

The warmth with which the audience welcomed Payton was proof of the esteem and affection in which he is held in Bolton.

His conducting expertise was matched by a seemingly effortless humorous commentary as he introduced the pieces.

The programme was heavy on nostalgia. During the first half, Ivor Novello's Waltz of my Heart and We'll Gather Lilacs were beautifully sung by mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle.

For the rousing finale Rule Britannia, Castle delighted the audience by revealing she was wearing a Union Jack Top.

Payton and the orchestra were on top form for Walton's Prelude and Fugue: The Spitfire.

In Elgar's Wand of Youth Suite No.2 -- Tame Bears and Wild Bears -- the contrasting moods of the two were beautifully brought out.

Bolton's Mark Almond delighted the audience with his brilliant interpretation of the Horn concerto No 4 Romanze and Rondo.

Eric Coates' Knightsbridge March -- the introductory music for the radio programme In Town Tonight -- brought the first half of the programme to an animated finish.

In the second half, Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance No 1 brought the audience to its feat for Land of Hope and Glory. Then the mood quietened as they sang Haydn Wood's Roses of Picardy. This was played in tribute to the late Martin Milner of Bolton who died recently. He was a former leader of the Halle.

Wood's Fantasia on British Sea Songs was enthusiastically received. During this Payton invited a member of the audience who was "playing" a hooter to join the Halle on stage.

Derek Jackson of Doffcocker leaped from his seat at the chance and said afterwards he had no idea he would be asked to go on stage.

The evening raised in excess of £6,000 for the Hospice and was sponsored by Fort Names and Bolton DIY. Bolton's Summer Proms 2000 were staged in association with the BEN.